End Ukraine war, says Modi as he meets Putin during bilateral ahead of BRICS summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin shook hands during a bilateral meeting on September 11, 2026, held on the margins of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The discussion covered a wide spectrum of cooperation, from trade and infrastructure to defence, energy and cultural exchange, and Modi again urged an end to the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, emphasizing India’s readiness to support peace initiatives.

The officials highlighted concrete goals, including raising bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 under the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030 and advancing civil nuclear projects. Putin invited Modi to the 24th India‑Russia Annual Summit, with dates to be fixed later, while both sides examined joint ventures in steel, railways, critical minerals and fertilizer supply chains. The meeting also touched on the spill‑over effects of the Ukraine war on Indian seafarers, noting casualties among Indian crew on foreign‑flagged vessels.

The dialogue comes against the backdrop of a four‑and‑a‑half‑year‑long war in Ukraine that has strained global supply chains and heightened security concerns in the Black Sea region. India’s stance underscores its diplomatic principle of dialogue and its strategic interest in diversifying energy and trade partnerships. Strengthening ties with Russia is seen as part of a broader effort to secure critical resources and expand economic cooperation while maintaining a balanced foreign‑policy approach.